MELBOURNE: Wallabies players refused to get involved in the controversy swirling around team-mate Nic White on Monday after angry South African media accused the scrumhalf of milking a yellow card at the rugby championship test over the weekend.
With South Africa on the offensive late in the first half at the Adelaide Oval, White was punched in the face by Faf de Klerk in a five-metre scrum and slumped to his knees.
After consulting the TV match official, New Zealand referee Paul Williams de Klerk received a yellow card, sparking outrage in South Africa.
With an incredulous De Klerk off the field, Australia held off South Africa until half-time, eventually winning the Test 25-17.
Former South Africa World Cup captain John Smit said on Twitter that White had “killed a little bit of rugby soul”, while former Springboks flyhalf Butch James said it was an “absolute disgrace to the game… that one.” player can behave like this”.
Asked about the incident on Monday, Wallabies full-back Reece Hodge was reluctant to speak up.
“I think you’ll have to ask Whitey about it. I didn’t see it that well, to be honest,” he told reporters.
When Hodge pressed whether referees should eliminate “diving” or “play-acting” in games or whether it was now part of the game, Hodge said it was up to the game officials to decide.
“I think the referees have a job to do. We have a job to do as players,” he told reporters.
“We just play the game and leave it to the officials and the umpires (umpires) to deal with whatever they see in relation to the game.”
Wallabies center Len Ikitau also dodged when asked if he was concerned White might not be protected by officers going forward if he was injured due to the fierce South African backlash.
Springboks fans berated White at the airport as the Wallabies team left Adelaide.
“I thought you were in intensive care my brother!” yelled one, drawing a smile from White in a video shared widely on social media on Monday.
The teams meet again on Saturday at the renovated Sydney Football Stadium.